Suspension swing-hammock, convertible chair, and suspension swing-toy



Oct. 3, 1967 R. w. BONNELL 3,344,443

SUSPENSION SWING-HAMMOCK, CONVERTIBLE CHAIR, AND SUSPENSION SWING-TOY Filed Jan. 24, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.

INVENTOR} ROSWELL w. BONNELL BY"/Va- R. W. BONNELL SUSPENSION SWING-HAMMOCK, CONVER Oct. 3, 1967 TIBLE CHAIR, AND SUSPENSION SWING-TOY 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 24, 1966 FIG. 5

FIG. 4

FIG. 8

INVENTOR ROSWELL W. BONNELL 3,344,443 SUPENIN SWING-HAlt E IOCK, CGNVERTIBLE CHAIR, AND SUSFENSION SWING-TOY Resweli W. Bonnell, 24 Corsi Road, Binomtield, NJ. (57%?) Filed Ian. 24, 1966, Ser. No. 522,666 2 Claims. (Cl. -120) This invention relates generally to a reclining and seating apparatus for humans, and more specifically to a novel type of swing-hammock, which may be converted, when desired, to a stationary chair and which may be also made as an action toy for children.

The swing-hammock of this invention is shown here in three modifications, the first of a form to serve only as a swing-hammock, the second of a form that is utilized as a toy, and the third of a form that is constructed to permit conversion to serve as a stationary chair.

The swing-hammock of this invention, in its basic form, consists of a frame having a main supporting portion, semi-circular in shape, and an auxiliary supporting portion disposed substantially as a slightly arcuate extension from one end of the semi-circular portion, that serves as the lower end and constitutes the seat of the swing-hammock.

In a modified form, the front end element, being resilient and free to move is constructed to allow its removal so as to be replaced by a stationary supporting end which serve as legs for the frame and subsequent conversion to a chair.

It is a primary object of this invention to provide a unique apparatus for relaxation and play, which comprises a metal framework covered with canvas or other suitable material so designed and shaped as to adjust automatically to receive and to accommodate a human body in a variety of resting positions.

It is another object of this invention to provide an unusual curving arrangement of the framework, so as to enable the apparatus to be suspended overhead at one end only, as, for example, by means of a rope or chain from the limb of a tree, ceiling beam of a dwelling or from a constructed auxiliary support arrangement.

One form of structure of the apparatus in accordance with the invention is made from a rod or tubular piece of metal formed in the shape of a semi-circle, and disposed in a vertical plane, with means to enable a suspension rope to be attached at the upper end of the semi-circle; thereby placing the suspended apparatus so that the gravity line through the center of gravity of the swing-hammock and a body at rest in the swing-hammock generally passes along the diameter of the semi-circular portion of the apparatus. The unique design and utilization of the aforementioned principles of gravity renders a stable and comfortable swing-hammock. In this manner the swinghammock can also adjust to accommodate a body in any position without disrupting the balance of the apparatus.

Yet an other object of this invention is to provide a hammock type apparatus with a freely pivoting joint at its upper end to allow for horizontal turning and vertical swinging movement of the hammock.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a flexible, yet sturdy, framework, so designed as to allow automatic adjustment to conform to different positions taken by a body and to conform to different weights and sizes of humans while at rest in the swing-hammock.

It is another object of the invention to provide a swinghammock which may swing along a vertical axis, as well as revolve or rotate horizontally in response to the action of wind or breezes which drive against the canvas or material covering at the semi-circular portion of the framework. The action of the breeze against the canvas at this nits ttes Ftnt t 3,344,443 Patented Get. 3, 3967 portion of the apparatus acts in much the same manner as the wind or breezes act against the sails of a ship.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a construction permitting the conversion of the swing-hammock to a stationary conventional chair by means of replaceable sections which act as leg supports for the swinghamrnock when so converted.

It is another object of this invention to supply a novel pivoting, hinging, and spring mechanism which enables the swing-hammock to be converted into an action toy for children.

Another object of the invention is to provide a swinghammock, a chair construction, and swing-toy which may be packed and shipped unassembled, and so designed as to permit easy assembly by a person not normally considered mechanically skilled.

A further object of the invention is to provide a means for the attachment or removal of fiat tray-like devices to act as arm rests or as refreshment and snack tables.

Three modifications of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, and similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in the drawings.

A full understanding of the construction of this invention, together with further novel features and advantages, will be had from the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side view of the swing-hammock framework and covering;

FIGURE 2 is a rear view of the swing-hammock framework and covering;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of one modification of the apparatus as viewed from the left and slightly from the front;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a joining member for the top-most sections of the apparatus as viewed from the left and slightly from the front;

FIGURE 5 is a side view of a modification of the swing-hammock framework and covering to be utilized as a childs toy;

FIGURE 6 is a side view, partially in section and partially in elevation, of a compressed spring-operated component for the top-most section of the modification of the apparatus as seen in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 7 is a side view of the extended spring-operated component for the apparatus;

FIGURE 8 is a front view, partly in section and partly broken away, of FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the adjoining clasp used for connecting the separable members of the swinghammock;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of another modification of the apparatus showing it utilized as a stationary chair with detachable arms and/ or snack tables;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective View of a joining insertion rod member and its locking pin or bolt for joining two adjacent tubular sections of the swing-hammock frame.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views in the drawings.

Referring now to FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 the invention is shown as a swing-hammock I with supporting stand 2. The framework 3, of swing-hammock 1, and the framework of the supporting stand 2, are made of sturdy, flexible light-weight metal tubing, such as aluminum. The framework 3, from top point I to bottom point I, and framework 2, from top point K to bottom point L, are circular arcs of any desired radius, and the lower extension of framework 3 from point I to M is an arc of a circle of much larger radius. The frameworks 2 and 3 are joined at their upper ends by a coupler 4, better seen in FIGURE 4. The joining coupler 4 slides over the two adjacent tubing sides, and is held in place by a pin or bolt extending through a hole drilled into the joining coupler 4 and the two held sections of framework tubing. Attached to the coupler 4 of the support 2 is one end of a flexible rope or chain 5, or the like, which has its other end attached to the swingahammock frame 3, thereby supporting the swing-hammock. This suspension method enables the swing-hammock to swing in a horizontal manner, as well as to rotate horizontally approximately 180'. It is to be understood that cord 5 may also be attached to any overhead support, such as a tree limb or ceiling rafter of a dwelling, etc., without utilizing the swing-hammock support 2, and thereby allowing a full 360 horizontal rotation.

The framework 3 is separable at lower point I, into semi-circular part 3-1 and extension part 3-2. These two parts may be re-joined by means of an insertion rod 29 and pins or bolts 30, which are shown in detail in FIGURE 11.

Extension part 3-2, due to the flexibility of the construction material, generally follows the direction of arrow F when a body is at rest in the swing-hammock.

A cross member 6, and support cross member and legs 8 are attached to frameworks 2 and 3 respectively by means of joining clasp devices 7, shown in FIGURE 9. Cross member 6 is U-shaped to allow the framework covering 9, of canvas or the like, to fit down as a seat inside the framework when a person is at rest on such seat in the apparatus.

Attached to the framework 3 by means of hooks 10 is a head rest or pillow 11.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, it can be seen that the canvas or other suitable cover 9 may be slid down over the tubing and then the adjoining clasp devices 7 inserted over the framework through openings 12 in the canvas. When the clasping device 7 is wrapped around the tubing of framework 2 then the support cross member and legs 8 are inserted into the opening of the clasps 7 and secured by means of a bolt, pin or screw.

Referring now to FIGURE 4, the two sides of the framework tubing insert into openings 13, 13a respective of the joining coupler member 4, to provide a simple assembly construction. A hole 114 is provided to receive a pin or nut and bolt arrangement which holds the coupler in place to lock the top ends of the sides of the framework tubing to each other. Hole 14a has inserted through it cord 5 to attach hammock 3 to support stand 2.

Referring now to FIGURES 5, 6, 7, 8, the framework of the toy modification is essentially the same as that of the swing-hammock as seen in FIGURES 1 and 2, except the radius of the circle is smaller. The joining coupler member 4a is more sophisticated in this modification in that a spherical ball 15 fits into a socket 16 where it is free to rotate horizontally 360. Attached to the spherical ball 15 is a rigid rod 17 as a suspension which extends through the swing-toy framework tubing. A compression spring 18 is placed around the rigid suspension rod 17. Fastened to the opposite end of the rigid suspension rod 17 is a plate or stop 19 to contain the spring between the tubular framework and the plate or stop. The spring is encased in hollow cylindrical telescoping tubing 20, 21.

The spring 18 in its compressed state is shown in FIG- URE 6 in the relationship of the swing-toy framework 3a to the support framework 2a when a child is sitting in the swing-toy.

In FIGURES 7 and 8 the spring is shown extended, the state which occurs when a child is not in the swing-toy or when the child has used its legs, which extend through hole 9a in canvas cover 9, to push and bounce itself up ward. Swing-toy framework 3a is pushed upward by bouncing towards the support framework 2a in a vertical direction. Swing-toy framework 3a may have a hole 17a in it which enables the swing-toy to slide up and down on the rod 17, or other equivalent structure may be cm- 4 ployed to bridge framework 3a and avoid the use of hole 17a.

The action of the spring as just described enables a child to bounce up and down with lively action while in the swing-toy. The spring assists the child in its play as well as alleviating strain on the framework of the swingtoy and its support. The relationship of the swing-toy framework and the use of a compression spring add much greater life to the spring and apparatus. The socket 16 for the spherical ball 15 is provided with a channel cut-out 22 to allow for horizontal to-and-fro swinging or oscillation of the swing-toy.

The channel cut-out 22 in the socket 16 also directs the swinging action of the swing-toy in one plane only; that is the plane in which the swing-toy is restricted by the sides and channel cut-out 22 of the socket. However, the spherical ball 16 enables complete 360 horizontal rotation of the swing-toy apparatus. This substantially adds to the safety of the apparatus. Another safety feature of the swing-toy is provided by the bracket 3b which allows for a safety belt or rod to be placed across the childs lap to lock the child in the swing-toy while at play.

Referring now to FIGURES 9 and 10, the attaching clasp device 7 is made of a strong, flexible material so that after the tubing of the framework 3, is inserted into the cylindrical hollow section 23 the cross member and leg support 3 (FIGURES 3 and 5) may be placed in the space opening 24 and a pin or bolt may be inserted through the hole 25 and a corresponding hole in the tubing of the framework so as to join, fix, and make stationary the two members. Side flanges 26 and 27 of the clasping device 7 are flexible enough to expand to accommodate the diameter of the framework tubing as the band is slipped over the tubing. Once the clasp has been slipped over the tubing of the framework the tubing itself is nested in and surrounded by the cylindrical hollow 23, and then the side flanges 26 and 27 are ready to receive the tubing of support legs 8, to be coupled thereto.

Referring now to FIGURE 10, the leg and cross member support 28 is attached to the bottom curved section of the chair-hammock by means of a cylindrical rod 29. Rod 29 is inserted into the hollow framework tubing at 29a and 2%. When the rod is in place a bolt or pin 30 is inserted into each hole 31 of rod 29 and through corresponding holes 32 in the framework, thereby fixing the leg support section 28 to the main curved portion of the chair-hammock. Thus the suspended free-swinging hammock of FIGURE 3 can be converted to a stationary chair as shown in FIGURE 10. This modification of the swing hammock requires no overhead suspension support. The overall apparatus herein described now functions as a combination piece of outdoor lawn furniture and a stationary chair for general indoor use.

All arm rest 33 may be attached to the swing-hammock or chair by inserting a rod 34 which is attached to the flat arm rest, into space opening 24 of a clasping device 7 (FIGURE 9) which is aflixed to the framework of the swing-hammock or chair.

FIGURE 11 shows a cylindrical rod 29 to be used as a joining and fixing device as just described.

By the arrangement and construction shown, the several parts or components of the swing-hammock chair or swingtoy, may be packaged in unassembled condition in a relatively shallow carton for shipping, and then readily assembled at the place of use by a person normally mechanically unskilled.

Modifications may be made in the details of construction and arrangement without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

The dimensions of the apparatus are of course a matter of choice, though it is intended that the radius of the semicircular portion of the apparatus should be in the order of two feet so as to be capable of holding any size adult and to make optimum and unique use of the physics principles involved. A radius smaller in size would not allow for the comfortable resting of an adult. Having a substantially llarger radius would be inconvenient as well as not initiating the balanced movement of the hammock when a human assumes various positions on it; such as a relaxed sitting position, line S FIGURE 1, and a reclining position, line R, FIGURE 1. The uniqueness and versatility of the apparatus will be quite apparent to the reader since there are no mechanical adjustments to make when a body assumes various resting positions while using the apparatus.

What is claimed is:

1. A swing-hammock, comprising asupporting frame having a semi-circular seat support portion, and having an auxiliary support portion extending from the lower end of the semi-circular seat support portion, said auxiliary extending portion serving as a supporting means for a suitable canvas covering and a seat extension for the swinghammock, and a canvas covering supported thereon; means for suspending and supporting the upper end and overall framework of the semi-circular seat portion and auxiliary extending portion, said means including a suspension means embodying a spherical ball socket joint to enable full rotation of the seat section.

2. A swing-hammock, as in claim 1, in which said suspension means is attached to the upper end of the semicircular portion of the framework, said suspension means including a spring.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 446,659 2/1891 Bunker 2973l4 X 765,957 7/1904 Campbell 297-277 1,094,293 4/1914 Banks 2973 14 1,173,654 2/1916 Eaton 297-277 1,817,353 8/1931 Craddock 248-299 2,967,566 1/1961 Bieda 297-274 3,145,990 8/1964 Prouty 272-85 X FOREIGN PATENTS 14,355 3/ 1926 Netherlands.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

R. D. KRAUS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A SWING-HAMMOCK, COMPRISING A SUPPORTING FRAME HAVING A SEMI-CIRCULAR SEAT SUPPORT PORTION, AND HAVING AN AUXILIARY SUPPORT PORTION EXTENDING FROM THE LOWER END OF THE SEMI-CIRCULAR SEAT SUPPORT PORTION, SAID AUXILIARY EXTENDING PORTION SERVING AS A SUPPORTING MEANS FOR A SUITABLE CANVAS COVERING AND A SEAT EXTENSION FOR THE SWINGHAMMOCK, AND A CANVAS COVERING SUPPORTED THEREON; MEANS FOR SUSPENDING AND SUPPORTING THE UPPER END AND OVERALL FRAMEWORK AND SUPPORTING THE UPPER END AND AUXILIARY EXTENDING PORTION, SAID MEANS INCLUDING A SUSPENSION MEANS EMBODYING A SPHERICAL BALL SOCKET JOINT TO ENABLE FULL ROTATION OF THE SEAT SECTION. 